At a Glance
Puri is the holiest district in Odisha and one of the four most sacred pilgrimage sites (Char Dham) for Hindus. It is the abode of Lord Jagannath, the Lord of the Universe. It is bounded by the Bay of Bengal, offering pristine beaches.
The Heritage Diary
Puri's history is synonymous with the history of the Jagannath Temple, built in the 12th century by Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva. The nearby Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site built by Narasimhadeva I, is a masterpiece of Kalinga architecture representing the sun god's chariot.
Local Landmarks
- ✦Jagannath Temple: The heart of Odia culture. The annual Ratha Yatra attracts millions.
- ✦Konark Sun Temple: The Black Pagoda, a marvel of stone carving and astronomy.
- ✦Golden Beach: A Blue Flag certified beach, clean and tourist-friendly.
- ✦Raghurajpur: A heritage crafts village famous for Pattachitra paintings and Gotipua dance.
- ✦Pipili: Famous for its colorful applique work.
Taste of the Land
- ✦Mahaprasad: The holy food offered to Lord Jagannath, cooked in earthen pots. The temple kitchen is one of the largest in the world.
- ✦Khaja: A crispy, layered sweet delight.
- ✦Malpua: A sweet pancake.
Local Heroes
- ✦Gopabandhu Das: The "Utkalmani" (Jewel of Utkal), a selfless social worker, freedom fighter, and writer born in Suando.
- ✦Kelucharan Mohapatra: The legendary Odissi dance guru born in Raghurajpur.